"The China Debate We're Not Having" | Part 2: What Does the United States Want?

The United States currently lacks a coherent grand strategy regarding China, as the post-Cold War consensus has fractured into competing ideological and political factions. While the National Defense Strategy prioritizes deterrence by denial in the Indo-Pacific, policymakers struggle to reconcile this focus with competing global commitments, such as conflicts in the Middle East and Ukraine. Economic policy remains equally fragmented; domestic priorities like energy affordability and manufacturing competitiveness often clash with protectionist impulses and export controls. Public opinion data reveals a complex landscape, with significant partisan divides on trade and favorability toward China. Ultimately, the absence of a unified domestic political vision prevents the formation of a stable, long-term framework for managing the U.S.-China relationship, leaving allies uncertain of American intentions and creating a volatile environment for global engagement.